USF Shows Gain in Federal Research Expenditures

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2010) – The University of South Florida’s federal research expenditures have surged forward even in the face of declining financial support in Washington, says a new ranking from the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Of the 100 top American institutions in federally-financed research and development, USF ranked 57th in 2009 - up 11 spots from its 2004 ranking. The USF System posted more than $190.9 million in federal research expenditures in 2009.

It was one of just 12 universities and systems nationwide to post a double-digit move up in the rankings in the past five years.

The Chronicle’s rankings were compiled from a new study from the National Science Foundation reporting that nationwide University spending on scientific and engineering research and development in science and engineering increased 5.8 percent between FY 2008 and FY 2009 to $54.9 billion, the share of federally-sponsored research spending continues to decline.

The federal government is the largest source of aca­demic research funding, but over the past five years the federal share of academic research and developments has dropped from 64 percent to 59 percent. The NSF report study period stopped just short of including federal stimulus spending that was set aside for university research.

Private industry and university-generated research donations are making up a difference, a trend which some scientists better connect universities to job creation and economic development but also changes the focus from fundamental science.

The Chronicle notes that two of the fastest rising categories for research investment are physics and aeronautical and astronautical engineering, while money for mathematics research has declined by more than 10 percent.